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Cancer office closure disappointing

One reader is shocked and disappointed at the recent closure of the Canadian Cancer Society office on Qualicum.

To the Editor,

Re: Closure of the Canadian Cancer Society office in Qualicum Beach.

I finally feel comfortable to now put pen to paper and express my shock and disappointment upon hearing our little CCS office in Qualicum Beach is to be closed on March 31.

Official reason for the closure came from the division office in Victoria and was attributed to the general economic downturn and pressure on financial resources distributed through headquarters.

Though our small office had been organized to be one of the top fundraisers on the Island year after year and our band of volunteers have maintained a well organized executive along with the most dedicated and energetic group of volunteers, it seems our Spartan overhead was too much to be maintained.

The central nature of our office has been such a benefit to those in the area seeking assistance to all the services we provided or to reference other supporting agencies.

Though some of these services will now be available through our office in Nanaimo the distance could prove to be a challenge.

My 20 years as a volunteer had me wear many hats but the one of most satis-faction came from financial aid. Along with Arlene Andrews I assisted clients with marginal incomes to obtain financial support from the CCS for treatments, accommodations and medications.

It was a major benefit for those who had the challenge of treatment and the financial relief allowed them to concentrate more on the rough road ahead.

Changing economic times may one day see our local office re-established and with that will come another band of dedicated and energetic volunteers to serve the area again.

I believe I sincerely speak for all our volunteers who are so proud to have been of help to those that needed it and thanks to all those who made donations that made our services available.

Janet Atkins,

Qualicum Beac